Suellen Semekoski

This is an entry-level experiential class which explores and implements concepts from art therapy and related fields. The course presents a blend of approaches including Eastern traditions, Jungian psychology, and other sources. Studio work and writing will be used as tools to understand and cultivate the discipline of self-awareness. The class will be structured as a community of participants engaging in and studying the phenomenon of the creative process. Each class meeting will involve art making and writing as well as discussion of ideas based on readings and experiences. This course is for anyone wanting to explore the relationship between art and life, self, other, and community in experiential and theoretical ways within an art therapy framework. It will be of value to those considering working with others using art, such as teachers or art therapists, as well as for those who may wish to establish art and/or writing as a form of practice and discipline in their lives. Open to all students.

This course is designed to offer students a didactic and experiential overview of the field of art therapy. Material covered will include history, theory, and practice of art therapy processes and approaches as well as a survey of populations, settings, and applications. Lecture, readings, discussion, audio-visual presentations, experiential exercises, and guest presentations comprise the structure of this course.

This course explores nonviolence through the nexus of contemplative reflection and people powered direct action. Research includes identifying personal, local and global exemplars of creative nonviolence through arts based inquiry. The history of nonviolence, the role of arts in nonviolent movements, mindfulness practices and nonviolent communication are foundations for the culminating project of the class. Students will engage in shared collaboration of artistic practices with an existing social action group in exploring love and protection or Gandhi?s soul force or Satyagraha.